Woman in Flite: Lale Weferling eFoil Riders Instructor

Lale Weferling has taught people how to Fliteboard in some of the most beautiful parts of Mallorca, Germany and Colombia. What started out as a part-time job has turned into a career, but we’ll let her tell you about that in her own words: 

How did you get started with Fliteboarding and can you share a bit about your eFoil journey?

During my first semester at university in Würzburg, I was looking for a student job when I came across an ad from eFoil Riders searching for an electric surf instructor. With only a river nearby, it immediately caught my interest, and I applied. Little did I know how much change would come from the idea of a part time job.

My first Fliteboard session took place in Mallorca during a team training. And when my boss was offering to spend time as support for the high season on the island, I jumped at the opportunity. That summer turned me into a true Fliteboard nerd to be honest, and I soon took on more organisational work within the company. 

After about a month working there I deciding to take a gap semester from my current study and gained experience at boat fairs, events and our eFoil Adventure tours with customers. During that time my boss also set me in contact with the Fliteschool in Cartagena, Colombia where I was able to work for a month in beginning of fall.

Now, after two years of incredible experiences, I`m moving to Mallorca full-time in March to continue working with eFoil Riders while finishing my online bachelor in economic psychology. What started as a student job has turned into an exciting career, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead!

What does Fliteboarding give you?

For me, Fliteboarding combines adrenaline and meditation. Most of the time, I have a song in my head, singing along while flying over the water. It gives an amazing balance of feeling in control while completely letting go and just enjoying the moment in nature. But what makes it truly special is how it brings people together and how it opened the chance for me to combine working in different languages and travelling to different cultures. Some of the best moments are when we ride in a group, with people from all around, knowing we all enjoy it together in the same way.

Can you tell us a bit about travelling and teaching people to eFoil in different countries? What’s your top tip for a beginner?

Travelling was such a great opportunity for me and due to the combination with Fliteboard. It gives you a purpose wherever you go and instantly connects you with people. And it always gives a common ground so it´s easy to feel like home. Teaching in different countries means adapting not just to different languages but also to how people learn. It’s interesting to see how everyone approaches something new in their own way. Sometimes, clients, especially those much older than me underestimate me at first. But once we get on the water, that changes instantly. Seeing that shift and watching people of all ages, from young girls to grandmas, get up and ride is amazing. And as Fliteboarding is just something that delivers an incredible experience everyone ends up with a big smile on their face after the session so you always share that with them. 

My biggest advice would probably be to take it step by step. Everyone can learn to Fliteboard, but if you rush, you miss the feeling of balance. The key is to find that sweet spot—once you do, everything clicks.

What have you learned about yourself from living in different cultures?

Living in different cultures has taught me to adapt quickly and stay open-minded. Every place has its own rhythm, and the more I find myself in that rhythm, the more I realize there's a lot of ways to find the way around. I’ve also learned that stepping out of my comfort zone is where I grow the most, either picking up a new language, navigating unfamiliar situations, or connecting with people from completely different backgrounds. And in the end, no matter where you are you always find something like Fliteboarding that can bridge any gap.

What is your favourite Fliteboard setup?

That would definitely be the Ultra L2 with Carbon mast and Flow 1100C which is just an incredible board. Carving is just so much fun when you don't even feel like there's a board you have to move around but more that it's an extension to yourself and it just follows every movement.

What is one of your favourite memories on the water?

That’s a tough one, but one of the most breathtaking rides must have probably been during my first year in Mallorca on a tour along the west coast. The cliffs there are incredible. My boss, a friend, and I were riding right next to them when we discovered a hidden canyon, something completely inaccessible even by boat. But with our Fliteboards, we were able to get further inside, eventually reaching a spot where we could climb up the rocks for a break and enjoy a drink we had packed in our backpacks. So that was probably one of the most adventurous and definitely convinced me of Mallorca.

What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom to me means being spontaneous in my decisions and finding new open doors everywhere, whether it’s on the water or in life. I guess for me it is about having the space to explore, try new things and go wherever I feel like.

Do you have any words of motivation that you come back to regularly?

I don’t really have words to come upon but just saying yes to new ideas and opportunities had before I had everything perfectly planned out lead to the best memories. So, I guess, just keep being spontaneous and flexible.

What do you feel is your biggest achievement?

Honestly, it’s not just one moment but more the whole journey starting out as a student looking for a part-time job and ending up building a career around something I love and moving to different countries. It is nice to be part of a growing community and at eFoil Riders I can turn my ideas into new projects with full support.

What would you like to achieve next?

My goal is definitely to participate in the next Fliteboard race in Dubai this year. I already wanted to join this year but at that time I was still in Colombia and therefore online following the videos but I´d love to take part in this year's tournament.